How to remember the 5 PROTECTIVE FACTORS that make your family strong. Your Ring Finger stands for Parental Resilience because your first commitment must be to yourself in order to be strong for others. Your Middle Finger can help you remember Social Connections because it should never stand alone! We all need a positive social network. Your Pinky Finger signifies Concrete Support in Times of Need because it is the smallest finger and reminds us that we all need help sometimes. Use your Thumb to remember Social & Emotional Competence of Children because a “thumbs up” is one of the first ways we learn to communicate our emotions. Your Index Finger represents Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development because you are your child’s 1st teacher!